From Zero to Millions: How Everyday Individuals Are Profiting from AI

So there I was, mindlessly scrolling through TikTok before it got banned and then unbanned, when I stumbled upon a caption that screamed clickbait:

"Meet The 17-Year-Old CEO Behind A $12 Million AI-Powered Nutrition App."

Curiosity got the better of me, and I clicked. 😩

The article introduced Cal AI, a nutrition app powered by GPT, which simplifies calorie tracking through innovative features like image recognition and barcode scanning. Apparently, it's raked in over 1 million downloads and boasts $12 million in annual recurring revenue, all managed by a team of 17 full-time employees. The twist? It's led by two 17-year-olds, Zach Yadegari and Henry Langmack. My mind was blown! 🤧

This got me thinking: if I wanted to start my own AI side hustle, how would I go about it? If you're interested in launching an AI-powered side hustle, I've got you covered!

In this article, we'll dive deep into:

• What is a GPT wrapper, and why it might be the easiest way to start building an AI-powered product.
• What ideas should you consider, and why they could lead to your next big opportunity.
• How to build and scale your app, and what is the best way to get users?

Quick Intro

If you're new to my work, I'm Lester Mapp, but my friends call me Les. 👋 I'm a founder with a successful exit and currently the executive chairman of a group of DTC brands. At heart, I'm an award-winning performance marketer, and coming up with ideas and getting them to market is my specialty.

If you're into data-driven marketing insights and strategies, check out my free newsletter, No Fluff Just Facts.

Now that we've got the introductions out of the way, kick back and relax. We're about to dive into a mini AI Shark Tank and evaluate some business ideas. 👨🏻‍💻

Before we get started, let me fill you in on what GPT wrappers are and how they can help you build your own tech empire.

What is a GPT Wrapper?

Let's break down what a GPT wrapper is and how it functions. Understanding this is crucial to seeing the potential it holds.

A "GPT wrapper" is essentially a software application, like a web or mobile app, that serves as a user interface built on top of a GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer). It enhances the user experience by adding context, refining prompts, and presenting results in a more user-friendly format. In essence, it "wraps" around the GPT model to make it more accessible.

Think of it like when General Motors tells us the Tahoe, Yukon, and Escalade are different cars. *Hey GM, are the different cars in the room with us right now?* 🤭

Joking aside, a GPT wrapper is similar. The features, price points, and target audiences might differ, but the core product remains the same: GPT.

Real-world examples of GPT wrappers include:

• An AI-powered writing assistant that helps create blog posts or marketing copy.
• A language learning app that generates personalized practice exercises.
• A customer service chatbot that handles complex queries.

From a technical standpoint, GPT wrappers manage API calls to the language model, implement prompt engineering techniques, and maintain conversation context for more coherent interactions.

While GPT wrappers are typically built using OpenAI's API, other options include Anthropic's Claude, Google's PaLM, and other emerging players in the AI space.

The AI landscape is evolving rapidly, opening up new possibilities for creating cool stuff. 😮‍💨

Opportunities and Pitfalls of Building a GPT Wrapper

Building a GPT wrapper comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. Let's explore them:

What's in it for you?

• Built-in Infrastructure: OpenAI's backend does the heavy lifting, saving you time and sparing you the headache of developing your own AI model.
• Speed to Market: Wrapping an existing GPT model allows you to launch faster. Why reinvent the wheel when you can improve the ride?
• Cost Efficiency: Developing a proprietary AI model is expensive. Using GPT as your foundation keeps development costs low.

What could trip you up?

• Performance Limitations: GPT can only work with the data it knows, which may lead to inaccuracies in domain-specific tasks.
• Scaling Struggles: API throttling and rising costs can become hurdles as your app grows.
• Limited Differentiation: Since you're building on top of GPT, standing out from the competition may require extra effort.

Wrapping GPT can open doors, but it's equally important to be aware of where those doors might close. The frustrations you experience with AI, like inaccuracies, loops, or biases, may also appear in your app. This is something to keep in mind, but it shouldn't discourage you from pursuing it.

How to Make a GPT Wrapper

You're probably wondering what tools you can use to create a GPT wrapper. Grab a pen and paper because one of the best tools you can use, ironically, is ChatGPT itself.

Here are a few other tools worth mentioning:

Bubble

• No-code platform for building web apps.
• Drag-and-drop interface.
• Ideal for non-technical founders.
• Great for rapid prototyping.

FlutterFlow

• Perfect for creating mobile apps with a no-code approach.
• Supports cross-platform development (iOS/Android).
• Offers a clean, modern UI design.

LangChain

• A developer-focused framework for building with LLMs (Large Language Models).
• Advanced integration with LLMs.
• Robust API handling and support for complex workflows.

An honorable mention goes to Replit. I've written a detailed article about it, so feel free to check it out.

If coding isn't your forte, you can always hire someone on Upwork or another freelancing platform to help you out.

While building your app is crucial, the real focus should be on what to build and how to attract users. Without a solid idea and a plan to engage users, even the best-built tool won't take off.

The Best Ideas for a GPT Business

I have tons of ideas, but instead of telling you exactly what to do, I want to teach you how to think about the problems you should be solving.

You need to solve a problem that people are willing to pay a premium for. 💡 Following your passion might be great for a hobby, but it's not the best advice for a sustainable business.

The bigger your ambitions, the bigger the problem you need to solve. Think of painkillers, not vitamins.

Before you start building anything, talk to potential users. Ask questions like:

• What's your problem?
• What solution are you currently using?
• Would you pay for a better solution? If so, how much?

Your job is to bridge the gap between the value of your solution and what users are willing to pay. 💰

The biggest mistake founders make is assuming that if they build it, people will come. This isn't true. Talking to potential customers gives you insights into what they actually want. Too many founders create solutions in search of a problem.

My advice? Whatever you build, stay disciplined through the good and bad days. As my mentor would say:

"You won't always be motivated. That's why you need to be disciplined."

Here are some general ideas to consider:

• Productivity tools
• Educational platforms
• Content creation systems
• Research and analysis tools
• Customer service solutions

Remember, whatever you decide to build, make sure it solves a problem that someone is willing to pay for. The more pressing the problem, the greater your potential for success. 💪

How to Market and Grow a GPT Wrapper Business

10 times out of 10, if you find the right problem, there's already a community out there. These communities exist everywhere, from conferences to meetups to online forums. 📱

Consider this:

• Moms connect on social platforms, sharing tips and offering emotional support.
• Formula One fans gather online, discussing the next race or debating performances.

This also applies in the professional world: CFOs, CMOs, and CEOs all connect in their own spaces, discussing shared problems. Right now, they're probably discussing a problem you could solve.

Once you've identified the problem you're solving, start building a community. Ideally, you should build your app and community simultaneously. 👌

Some call this "building in public," but the real magic is bringing potential users along for the ride.

Take Harrison Hide, for example. He's building Long Lane, a wellness hotel and member club that offers professionals a personalized, all-in-one wellness experience. It focuses on health, nutrition, and mental performance, all in a curated, alcohol-free environment.

Harrison isn't creating a tech solution, but he's proving that building a community first can work with any idea. 🎯

Own Your Audience

I'm a huge fan of newsletters. They're the gift that keeps on giving. What should you include in your newsletter? Everything. Document the highs, the lows, what's next, what you're building, and what you're learning. Harrison does an incredible job with this, and you can, too.

I'm not suggesting you ignore platforms like TikTok and Instagram entirely. You can expand to them later, but it's important to choose your priorities in the early stages. You can't do everything alone, so staying focused is crucial.

This approach is like running a media company first and monetizing through a software solution. 🔎

And let me tell you, after spending tens of millions of dollars on marketing campaigns, this is by far the best approach.

According to a study by Khoros, Airbnb produced 2.5 times more revenue for its member hosts by using its community to drive innovation and product development. This statistic demonstrates the significant impact that a well-managed online community can have on a company's revenue growth. 🤯

My Two Cents

I know I've thrown a lot at you today, so here's a quick recap: 😊

• Do the research: Don't build without talking to the people you expect to pay you.
• Build a community: Preferably a newsletter, but a social channel works too.
• Understand the problem: Start building your app after you fully grasp the problem and who you're serving.
• Keep the community engaged: Share updates like "Today we built this," and ask for feedback.
• Stay consistent: Tough times don't last, but tough people do.
• Launch your app: Keep engaging your audience even after launch.

🚨 And this is the most important part!

When you become a gazillionaire, let me use your yacht when you're out of town!

If you're unsure how to market your new SaaS company, please join my free newsletter, No Fluff Just Facts. I share business insights like this, what's working in the world of digital marketing, the latest trends, and the occasional pep talk to keep you inspired. 🤓

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😇 Hope this article helps; I'm rooting for you!